Officials with ISH Shanghai, the plumbing and HVAC market trade show, said its first event was a success.

The Sept. 3-5 event at Shanghai New International Expo Centre brought 13,708 attendees, representing 45 countries, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Thailand, Taiwan, Germany, Italy and Australia.

There were 239 exhibitors.

“I am pleased with the overall participation figures for exhibitors and visitors this year. The increasing participation rate confirmed the importance of this show and China’s rise as the next great HVAC market,” said Richard Li, deputy general manager of Messe Frankfurt in Shanghai.“From my interaction with exhibitors and visitors, the 2014 show has served as a great tool in growing their businesses and making key industry contacts.”

Li Hongbo, general manager at co-sponsor Beijing B&D Exhibition Co Ltd., agreed.

 “The market demand for HVAC technology in East and Central China continues to grow,” he said. “Through incorporating interactive concurrent events at the fair, we have positioned ISH Shanghai & CIHE as the regional destination for all HVAC and building technology-related professionals to promote knowledge exchange among industry experts.”